Dallas Workers Join Global Dance Celebration on International Dance Day

Dallas Workers Join Global Dance Celebration on International Dance Day

** reborn after 21 years with Dallas: a celebration of dance, diversity, and unity**

Get your dancing shoes on, because the city of Dallas is shaking things up! De'Borah Rawlins – a city employee celebrating her 21st anniversary with the city – recently showed off her moves in an original dance routine as part of the second annual International Dance Day celebration.

Held at Dallas City Hall, this year's event drew around 200 residents and employees who came to watch the performance, which also featured dances from Egypt, Nigeria, and the Philippines. The event was choreographed by Martine Elyse Philippe, director of the city's Office of Arts and Culture, who also organizes an exhibition for visual artists on staff to showcase their work.

But this was no ordinary day at the office – for many participants, it was a chance to step out of their comfort zone and embrace their creative side. Take Zeronda Smith, director of the Office of Risk Management, for example. While she hasn't taken any formal dance lessons, she decided to give it a go this year.

"I love the diversity of this city," she said. "It's not only in our employee population, we reflect the city's population. This dance is ... a reflection of our city."

For Philippe, who trained in dance growing up and previously owned a studio in Atlanta, the rehearsals and performance were a good reminder of the physical and mental health benefits of dance. "We have really been talking about how we walk away from practice feeling better or being able to let go of the stress of the work day," she said. "Or, you know how it feels if you haven't been in a studio in 10 or 15 years, how your body responds positively to being back."

Councilwoman Paula Blackmon also spoke at the event, encouraging attendees to be bold and try something new. "Get your groove on I guess, as they say."

The event served not just as a creative outlet, but also as a team-building exercise for city employees. Participants included staff members from various departments, such as code compliance, sanitation, aviation, and government affairs. It was a chance for them to come together, engage with each other, and form friendships.

"The experience was one of growth, one of engagement, one of friendship, getting to know other co-workers and other departments that I didn't know," said De'Borah Rawlins. "Just fellowshipping and getting to know them and the laughter. It was a great experience."

Arts Access is an arts journalism collaboration powered by The Dallas Morning News and KERA.

This community-funded journalism initiative is funded by the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, The University of Texas at Dallas, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef, and The Meadows Foundation. The News and KERA retain full editorial control of Arts Access' journalism.

Dance Insights:- Dance has numerous physical and mental health benefits.- Diversity in dance styles can promote cultural understanding and exchange.- Creative ventures, such as dance, can foster team building and engagement among city employees.- Encouraging creativity and trying new things can lead to personal growth and happiness.

1. The dance routine showcased by De'Borah Rawlins, a city employee celebrating her 21st anniversary, reflects the diversity of the city of Dallas.
2. The second annual International Dance Day celebration, held at Dallas City Hall, also featured dances from various countries, such as Egypt, Nigeria, and the Philippines.
3. Dance rehearsals and performances provide both physical and mental health benefits, as Martine Elyse Philippe, the city's Office of Arts and Culture director, testified.
4. Councilwoman Paula Blackmon encouraged attendees to try something new at the event, including stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing creative pursuits.
5. Participation in the dance event was a chance for city employees from different departments, like code compliance, sanitation, aviation, and government affairs, to bond and form friendships.
6. The event, organized by Arts Access, a community-funded journalism initiative, was funded by several organizations, including The University of Texas at Dallas and The Dallas Foundation.
7. Diversity in dance can promote cultural understanding and exchange, as demonstrated by the various dance styles showcased during the International Dance Day celebration.
8. Pursuing creative ventures like dance can have personal growth benefits, according to De'Borah Rawlins, who found the experience to be one of engagement, growth, and friendship with her fellow city employees.

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